Befriending Service
Please note that there is a significant waiting list for this service
At Age UK Maidstone one of the ways we try to beat loneliness in later life is through our Befriending Service, where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.
What is befriending?
Each older person is assigned a befriender, who provides friendly conversation and companionship on a regular basis over a long period of time.
Befriending provides an older person with a link to the outside world and often acts as a gateway for other services and valuable support.
Each visit lasts usually between 1-3 hours depending on the clients needs and the volunteers availability.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for our service you must be over 55 years of age and pay your tax to Maidstone Borough Council.
We are sadly no longer in a position to accept referrals or applications for our face to face befriending from those who are experiencing mental health issues or those living with dementia. However everyone over the age of 55 is welcome to join us for our various community befriending events.
Why is befriending so important?
Loneliness is a massive issue for people in later life in the UK:
- 200,000 older people say they haven't had a conversation with friends or family for a month.
- 3.9 million older people agree the television is their main form of company.
- Loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
What is not covered?
There are some things that a befriending volunteer is not able to do, for instance they will not be able to help with personal care, go shopping on your behalf, do housework, gardening or maintenance, give counselling or guidance.
This service is not a taxi service and our volunteers will not be able to take clients to appointments.
Unfortunatly we are unable to provide a sitting service when family or carers are away.
What do I do next?
Please ensure that you have the clients permission before making a referral. You can then give us a call on 01622 753618
Call in Time
Age UK also offer a telephone befriending service, for people over 60 who would benefit from the additional support a telephone friendship could provide. For more information please email callintime@ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 434 6105.